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ÿÈÕ´óÈü¹ÙÍø awarded the Robert H. Selby Teaching Scholar Award for exemplifying the highest standards of teaching excellence to English professor Dr. Stan Coppinger at commencement exercises Saturday. Recipients are nominated and selected by faculty vote.

The Selby Award is the highest recognition the university offers for effectiveness in teaching, dedication to ÿÈÕ´óÈü¹ÙÍø and Christian education. Those who receive it are known for their helpfulness to students, spiritual leadership, scholarship and professional development.

"Stan Coppinger shows that he views teaching as an act of love, worship and stewardship," said LETU Provost Dr. Steven D. Mason. "He seeks to make an impact on the lives of his students, not just for a semester, or for a grade, but for an eternity."

The Selby Award is named after the late Dr. Robert H. Selby, a beloved LeTourneau faculty member from the 1970s who taught history, having written his doctoral dissertation on how World War II was won using R.G. LeTourneau's earth-moving equipment. Selby died at an early age of pancreatic cancer.

Coppinger has taught literature, rhetoric, composition and creative writing on the university level for 30 years. He began his teaching career as a graduate teaching assistant at Tarleton State University in 1988 and has taught English courses at Tarrant County Junior College, Howard Payne University, Grand Canyon University, Baylor University, East Texas Baptist University and ÿÈÕ´óÈü¹ÙÍø.

Coppinger describes the university classroom as one of his favorite places because of his interactions with students and the adventure of instilling in them an excitement for reading and writing. He has served in various leadership capacities during his time at LeTourneau, including as former director of the Honors College and director of the university's writing center to teach students to become better writers.

Coppinger earned his bachelor's degree in biblical studies at Biola University in 1984, his master's degree in English from Tarleton State University in 1990 and his doctorate in English from Baylor University in 2001. His field of specialization was 20th century American literature.

ÿÈÕ´óÈü¹ÙÍø is the premier Christian polytechnic university in the nation where educators engage students to nurture Christian virtue, develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, integrate faith and work, and serve the local and global community. LETU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a range of disciplines and delivery models at LETU's residential campus in Longview, Texas, hybrid options at centers in the Dallas and Houston areas and fully online programs. For additional information, visit www.letu.edu.